Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus), Flagstaff, Coconino County

This Yellow-eyed Junco was found by Nathan Renn 11 April and photographed by Nathan on 12 April 2015

While this species does undergo some elevational migration, it is rare even in the lowlands of southeastern Arizona, so one making its way to northern Arizona is stunning. This is the first recorded sighting in Coconino County.

The yellow eye is distinctive; otherwise resembles the "Red-backed" form of Dark-eyed Junco, but with more extensive red in the back, extending onto the greater coverts and tertials. The lower mandible is paler as well, giving the bill a more sharply bicolored pattern.

12 April 2015, photo by Nathan Renn

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